Full story:
www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/.../25369.asp
Excerpt:
Passages: Fran Crippen, 26 - FINA, USA Swimming Release Statements -- October 23, 2010
FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates, October 23. SHORTLY after the FINA Open Water 10K World Cup swim today in the UAE, United States swimmer Fran Crippen, 26, passed away after falling unconscious during the race.
With the water in the mid-to-high 80s, the competitors all finished and noticed that Crippen had not crossed the finish line. Meet management brought in deep sea divers, who found Crippen unconscious just before the final buoy nearly two hours later. He was transported to the Fujairah Hospital and later died according to information provided to Swimming World. Conflicting reports state that he was found dead on the course.
Crippen had shown signs of slowing down during the third lap of the five-lap race. When Crippen did not immediately finish, a fact noticed by teammate Alex Meyer who screamed for help, the competing swimmers rushed back into the water to help with the search.
Information provided to Swimming World demonstrates that the water was likely too hot for the event as several swimmers were treated for heat exhaustion after the race....
Oh My Gosh, this is so horrible. My condolences to the Crippen family, who must be in the most horrific state of shock right now. Unbelievable that someone so young could die in an event like this. A lesson for all of us who have to swim in hot water for practices sometimes. . . .
This is sad indead. Water too hot can really create a problem. In 1964 the race in Alexandria Egypt many of the swimmers left the water because of the heat. I drank 20 or more Coca Cola to cool off during the race.
Is this another FINA screw up? Racing in too hot water conditions. And where were the safety officials and kayakers? In a world cup event, you don't notice a swimmer is missing until after the event is over?!
Horrible tragedy. :(
According to Swimming World, "The last time Crippen was seen alive when he passed the first feed station on the final lap, and was seen to be struggling." Yet whoever saw him "struggling" did not intervene. Absolutely astonishing.
Is this another FINA screw up? Racing in too hot water conditions. And where were the safety officials and kayakers? In a world cup event, you don't notice a swimmer is missing until after the event is over?!
Horrible tragedy. :(
Excellent questions! I read the article you posted and I wonder where his coach was, after Fran told him he wasn't feeling well. This IS shocking- and sad... :badday:
